How to Preserve Chives by Drying

Chives belong to the onion family, but they are prized for their flavorful foliage since they don't produce bulbs. Chives grow well in both indoor and outdoor herb gardens, providing fresh foliage year-round when potted indoors. Drying the chives also allows you to enjoy the herb year round. The foliage dries quickly and requires no special equipment. The dried chives don't have the same flavor quality as the fresh herb, but they add color and some flavor to soups, sauces and casseroles.

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Airtight container

Instructions

- 1
  Trim the stalks from the plant before they begin producing flowers. Chives lose their flavor after flowering.
- 2
  Cut chives into 1/4- to 1/2-inch long pieces. Whole chives stalks also dry well but have less culinary uses.
- 3
  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the prepared chives out on the paper in a single layer.
- 4
  Place the tray in a well-ventilated location away from direct sunlight, either outside or indoors. Stir the chives once daily so they dry evenly.
- 5
  Package the chives in an airtight container once they dry completely and become brittle. Chives take approximately 10 hours to dry outdoors or one to three days indoors.

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